[National survey of radiodiagnosis. Methodological aspects (1)]

A national sample of 386 radiological departments and offices representative of a total set of approximately 5 000 have been involved in a statistical survey during the years 81-82. This survey was first directed to the analysis of the production factors related to radiology (number and characteristics of facilities and equipment; medical and paramedical personnel, ...). The radiological activity has then been observed during one week (in June 82) through systematic questionnaires. The information collected on about 13 000 X-Ray examinations consists in characteristics of the population examined, the aims and results of examination, a technical description of procedures (number and size of films; projection; physical parameters, ...). This survey has excluded X-Ray routine examinations (occupational and others); dental examinations, isolated fluoroscopy and ultrasound practiced by physicians.